Our In Their Words series of blogposts introduces you to businesses throughout Texas that Mission works with. Hear from chefs and owners as they discuss recipes for success and how Mission Restaurant Supply helps along the way. This post was originally published on August 9, 2018, with the title Trout Street's Survival Post-Harvey.

Watch the Trout Street video here:

Every summer for thirty years, our Mission family members have been traveling to Port Aransas, Texas, on Mustang Island. This coastal community is full of wonderful restaurants such as Trout Street Bar & Grill.

Trout Street is an institution in town known for its locally-caught, fresh seafood, marina-facing views, and super-friendly staff. Throughout the island, locals choose Trout Street for life's celebratory occasions.

Though casual in feel, the restaurant has a special seaside character that is both inviting and quaint.

Gilbert "Chip" Ritz has been working at the restaurant since he was nineteen years old serving as a dishwasher. Over 23 years, he has worked his way up to chef, general manager, and operating partner.

When Hurricane Harvey barreled across the Texas coast in August 2017, Trout Street was one of the many local businesses impacted by the storm. A few days afterward, Chip remembers coming back to the business for the first time.

"We use [Mission Restaurant Supply] for a reason: because they take care of us."

"There is no way to prepare yourself for it," he said, tearing up. "When you see it, it kind of changes you."

All around the island, buildings that were once home to lively, local businesses were gone, decimated by the Category 4 super storm.

Pulling up to Trout Street, Chip was initially relieved to see his building still there, yet it wasn't until he walked inside that the true damage was realized.

"The first thing was the smell," he said, recalling the mold and mildew that had seeped into every crevice of the restaurant, including the kitchen. After a few days with no power, all the food inside the commercial walk-in cooler was spoiled and rank.

Nine inches of water flooded over the patio and into the restaurant, buckling the venue's 100-year-old Mexican teak and eucalyptus floors.

Trout Street and Mission have been partners for years with both companies placing an importance on family values. "We treat everybody like family," said Chip, adding, "Like I tell my staff, treat em' like they are coming into your house for dinner."

Post Harvey, Trout Street began the rebuilding process that brought our teams even closer together. "I've always gone with Mission because they're honest," he said. "We use them for a reason: because they take care of us."

Whether it was design work or the replenishment of new bar equipment, refrigeration, or commercial cooking equipment, our team is honored to contribute to a place that has shaped the Port Aransas community since its opening in 1996.

Today, Trout Street is re-opened post-Harvey and a symbol of survival in this coastal community.

Inside, the restaurant's old wooden floors are repurposed and layered along the walls of the back-bar and under-bar. Crossed fishing poles and a state-record white marlin hang on a wall as does a red flag which flew over Port Aransas during Hurricane Carla.

Over the bar, a large billfish and a painted ocean mural featuring boats going out to sea set the tone for the venue.

All in all, Harvey proved that the people and businesses who work on the island could prevail despite considerable setbacks and hardships.

Thankfully for everyone who comes here, Chip and his team stayed true to Trout Street, writing a new and improved chapter for the years to come.

Trout Street Bar & Grill is located at
104 West Cotter
Port Aransas, Texas 78373
(361) 749-7800
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